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Advancing MSU's International Mission

The Office of the Dean of International Studies and Programs is at the hub of international efforts at Michigan State University. With offices in the International Center—a focal point for international students, visitors, and events—the dean of ISP has direct responsibility for the units below.

The existence of these units as university-level entities uniquely positions ISP not only to mediate effectively among units with disparate agendas, but also to help identify and forge cross-college collaborations and identify opportunities that draw on resources from across the university.

Faculty are the core of Michigan State University's international strength. Currently, MSU has more than 1,000 faculty who are engaged in international scholarship, instruction, and work abroad.

The dean of ISP shares responsibility with other MSU deans for the Center for the Advanced Study of International Development, the Institute of International Agriculture, and the Institute of International Health, and collaborates with college-based units such as the Center for International Business Education and Research, the Center for Language Education And Research, and International Studies in Education, among numerous others.

Broadly speaking, the Office of the Dean of ISP and its constituent units:

  • Encourage and assist departments and individual faculty members to secure financial support or negotiate contracts and grants as they seek international ties and opportunities
  • Provide advice, information, and support on internationalizing courses and curricula
  • Coordinate support services for international students and visiting scholars, area studies programs and centers, undergraduate and graduate study in other countries, development and research projects, special international study institutes, and special training programs abroad
  • Serve as a focal point of university diplomacy, hosting a large number of visiting international dignitaries each year
  • Represent MSU's interests with various external agencies and organizations and several university consortia and facilitate and support linkages with universities and research organizations abroad
  • Participate in outreach initiatives throughout the state of Michigan and beyond with constituencies such as k-12 teachers, State of Michigan offices, Michigan businesses, and the general public

In addition, the dean's office is involved in a wide range of activities to further the international mission of the university. The reader is encouraged to visit the ISP Web site for more detailed and up-to-date information, but briefly, the dean and staff of the office:

  • Administer grants and awards
  • Coordinate international fellowships and scholarships
  • Organize events and conferences
  • Develop print publications and Web resources
  • Facilitate internal and external media coverage of the university's international activities and involvements
  • Facilitate the development and implementation of a strategic vision for the university's diverse international programming agenda

The Advisory/Consultative Committee on International Studies and Programs is part of the academic governance system of Michigan State University. Its membership includes elected faculty from each college, and undergraduate and graduate students. The committee advises the dean on all international linkage agreements involving institutions in other countries, as well as other relevant international issues.

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